It’s not anticipated that this will affect in-force policies, but folks “on the fence” may want to pull that trigger sooner than later.

Can’t say this is unanticipated, according to email:

“[MassMutual] LTC business exploded in 2012 due to the changing marketplace. While MassM wants to be competitive, we do not want to be a low price leader. That tends to attract excess business that may not be as desirable as slower, steady growth.”

In other words, if you’re looking to buy business, you’re going to get burned.

I don’t think that this is a particularly bad move on MassMutual’s part: we’re going to see rate increases more and more often now, as Boomers hit their mid-60′s and look for ways to protect their assets. Being out front of the wave is a good way to avoid drowning.